Experts from Perm National Research Technical University have created the world’s first stabilization platform that allows for the continuous collection of data from a gyroscope during the drilling of inclined oil wells.
According to a source at the university, this innovation helps reduce unnecessary downtime, which translates into lower operating costs and saves millions of rubles for oil and gas companies.
A solution to a problem that plagues the drilling sector
During the drilling of inclined wells, the drill string is subjected to strong vibrations and shocks from the drill bit, which can affect the accuracy of the optical gyroscopes used to determine the well's direction and trajectory. To obtain accurate data, technical teams must periodically halt drilling operations to take the necessary measurements.
It is estimated that these stoppages may account for up to 15% of total drilling time, as well as increasing the risk of the drill pipe becoming stuck inside soft rock formations.
Innovative Device / Perm National Research Polytechnic University
Innovative installation platform
The source explained that the university's scientists developed the world's first effective stabilization device for a navigation platform capable of operating continuously while the drilling column rotates, noting that the innovation has already been patented.
The platform consists of gyroscopes and accelerometers mounted inside the drill pipe on the electric motor housing. When the sensors detect the shaft starting to rotate, the motor rotates the platform in the opposite direction at the same speed, maintaining its stability and ensuring the continuous acquisition of accurate data during operation.
The source confirmed that the new technology is suitable for all types of inclined wells, both onshore and offshore. Given that drilling an inclined well typically takes about 30 days, the new system can reduce the work time by four to five days.
He added that this time saving translates into significant financial gains, as savings can reach tens of millions of rubles per site when accounting for the operating costs of drilling equipment and personnel
Researchers believe that the new innovation may contribute to increasing the efficiency of drilling operations and improving the accuracy of navigation inside wells, in addition to reducing operational risks associated with frequent work stoppages.
